Richard Christman

Richard Christman, 86, of Washington, died Tuesday, June 24, 2008, in Presbyterian Senior Care. He was born March 11, 1922, in Washington, a son of Paul and Hazel Burroughs Christman. Mr. Christman graduated from Washington High School in 1940. On August 21, 1943, he entered the United States Army, serving in the European Theater with the 251st Engineering Company of C Battalion. He was involved in battles in Ardennes, Central Europe and Rhineland. For his service, he was awarded the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal and American Campaign Medal. On March 30, 1946, he was honorably discharged with a rank of Staff Sergeant. For 35 years, Mr. Christman worked For Koppers Co., Pittsburgh, as a supervisor in the engineering and construction division. Mr. Christman was a member of VFW Memorial Park Post #764 in McMurray, Edwin Scott Linton Post 175 of the American Legion, and Church of the Covenant, where he served as a deacon for four years and an usher for 25 years. For over 50 years, he was associated with the Washington Fire Department and, for over 20 years, he planned local parades for the City of Washington, United Way and the Washington Fire Department. In 1948, he married Margaret Black, who died in 1978. On March 28, 1979, he married Betty Jean Hoffman Shulnes, who died March 20, 2008. Surviving are two sons, Richard “Rick” Christman of Temecula, California, and John Fredrick Christman of Lawton, Oklahoma; a daughter, Wendy Lee Christman of Sacramento, California; a step-son, Robert John Shulnes of Charleroi; a step-daughter, Debra Jean Eckenrode of Washington; five grandchildren, Michael, Mark and Vanessa Christman, Erin Christman and Stacey Nobles; six step grandchildren, Rita, Lesley and Lee Eckenrode, Aleece Jacobs, Holly and William Gaddis, and Yvonne Oberlie; eight great-grandchildren; and nine step great-grandchildren. Friends will be received Tuesday from 2 till 4 p.m., the hour of service, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. Memorial contributions may be made to VFW Memorial Park Post 764, 460 Valleybrook Road, McMurray, PA 15317.   Video of Service